International Institute For Peace Through Tourism IIPT

IIPT January February Newsletter

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:43:31 +0000

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: BEA BRODA

As 2026 unfolds, the global landscape is shifting rapidly, with uncertainty and upheaval marking the path forward. Amidst this turmoil, tourism emerges as a beacon of hope, adapting and evolving in response to global challenges. But what’s next for an industry navigating treacherous geopolitical waters and shifting regulations?

The answer lies in the transformative power of travel. As people seek more meaningful experiences, tourism can be a force for good, fostering cross-cultural understanding and contributing to local communities. By investing in destinations, travelers can make a positive impact, cultivating a sense of global citizenship.

The International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) has been championing this vision for 40 years, promoting peace and sustainability through tourism. With milestone celebrations on the horizon, the IIPT is poised to continue driving positive change.

This newsletter includes exciting news about plans to celebrate yet one more significant IIPT milestone, as well as celebratory moments for many of our members.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT: AJAY PRAKASH

Tourism for Peace in an Age of Existential Risk: eN-eM-eN

As the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism (IIPT) approaches its 40th anniversary in 2026, it stands at a defining crossroads – reaffirming its founding belief that tourism can be one of humanity’s most powerful instruments for peace, understanding, and global cooperation.

In 1991, at the end of the Cold War, the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) was signed between the United States and the Soviet Union. It sought to limit nuclear arsenals to 6,000 warheads and 1,600 intercontinental ballistic missiles. After several interruptions, extensions and amendments, the treaty finally expired on 5 February 2026.

At the time of START, only two countries possessed nuclear weapons. Today, that number has grown to ten, while global nuclear stockpiles have more than doubled the levels originally envisaged under the treaty. This raises a troubling question: will the expiry of START signal a return to the reckless arms race of the late 20th century? Or can humanity persuade its political leaders to abandon the doctrine of “nuclear deterrence” and choose a different path to peace?

Nuclear weapons do not protect peace. They endanger civilization itself – destroying not only cities and lives, but the very foundations of travel, development, and human exchange.

Silence is no longer an option. IIPT firmly believes that peace is not only essential for tourism – it is critical for the survival of the human race itself. Our quest is not merely to end wars, but to end the conditions that give rise to war, and to challenge the weapons that make mass destruction possible. This is a responsibility that civil society, including the global tourism community, must actively embrace.

In this spirit, IIPT is advancing a proposal to call for a global ban on nuclear weapons, aligning the tourism sector with worldwide movements for disarmament, dialogue, and lasting security. Peace, as IIPT has always affirmed, is not simply the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, cooperation, and shared responsibility.

Later this year, IIPT will convene a Global Leadership Summit, with details to be announced shortly. This gathering will revisit our 40-year journey of Peace Through Tourism and help chart a course to reimagine the future — not only of travel, but of our planet.

Many of you know the name Eminem.

Today, we propose another powerful expression: eN-eM-eN – No More Nukes.

By standing together under the banner of eN-eM-eN: No More Nukes, the tourism community declares that our industry will not be neutral in the face of existential risk. We choose life; we choose dialogue; we choose peace.

Tourism connects humanity; it transforms strangers into neighbours and distance into understanding. A world threatened by nuclear annihilation is a world where tourism, and civilization, cannot survive.

So, let this be our legacy: One Industry, One Resolve, One Voice, No More Nukes!

ABOUT THE IIPT 40^TH ANNIVERSARY PLANS

A Zoom call was recently held to discuss plans for IIPT’s 40^th anniversary. Although the plans are still in their fledgling state, IIPT will hold a 40th Anniversary Celebration at the United Nations in New York on October 22–23, 2026. This journey will require faith, perseverance, and dedication—but few missions are worthier than IIPT’s vision of Peace through Tourism.

At this time, members are developing action plans based on a strategic overview which was shared during the Zoom meeting. With many hands involved, IIPT plans to move forward together toward a phenomenal celebration. Stay tuned for more detailed news on this exciting milestone for IIPT.

NEWS FROM THE SERBIA CHAPTER

The Serbia Chapter is pleased to announce that the fourth IIPT Peace Park in Serbia – Banjica in Sokobanja, has been officially proclaimed.

The news was also published on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7403746935938920448/?actorCompanyId=79621868

From Jovan Popesku

THE CARIBBEAN CHAPTER

CCRP of Jamaica has bestowed honors on our cherished IIPT Caribbean Chapter president, Diana McIntyre-Pike. Here, she is recognized for empowering communities and promoting economic self-resilience. Here is the link to watch a brief video:

https://youtube.com/shorts/iH7BSmLrsQk?feature=share

An article recently published by Juergen Steinmetz of eTurbonews speaks volumes about Diana and her remarkable contributions:

“Recognized as a World Tourism Network Hero, Diana McIntyre-Pike stands as one of the most influential pioneers of community tourism in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Her life’s work represents a powerful alternative to mass tourism—one that moves beyond five-star, all-inclusive resorts and returns tourism to its roots: human connection, cultural exchange, and direct benefits to local people.”

Continued at this link:

https://eturbonews.com/diana-mcintyre-pike-community-tourism-jamaica/

Congratulations to Diana and her iconic leadership!

SOME INSPIRATIONS TO CONSIDER

Sent to the newsletter by Timothy Marshall: Words from Samantha Brown about the real power of travel:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/akEn5bRI53M

RECOGNIZING TOURISM LEADERS

Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary for Tourism of the Republic of Seychelles, has been honoured with the Women’s Tabloid Award 2025 for Excellence in Tourism Leadership, recognizing her passion-driven commitment to sustainable tourism, inclusive leadership, and authentic storytelling that creates opportunity and long-term impact globally.

The full article can be read at this link:

https://eturbonews.com/sherin-francis-womens-tabloid-award-2025-tourism-leadership/

THE WORD PEACE

The word “peace” has been chosen as the Word of the Year by around 500 young people in the UK between the ages of 6 and 14 years old. The word peace has increased by 60% since 2015, according to stories submitted to the BBC’s 500 Words competition. Read more here:https://corp.oup.com/news/peace-named-oxford-childrens-word-of-the-year-for-2025/

IN CLOSING

I would like to take the opportunity to end this newsletter with a popular prayer first coined by St. Francis of Assisi – a prayer that is as relevant now as the moment it was first spoken:

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon”.

These are powerful words for us to keep in mind as we navigate 2026 and prepare for the celebration of 40 years of IIPT!

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IIPT PROVIDES GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 05:06:23 +0000

Long-standing member of the IIPT board, Timothy Marshall, would like to remind us that IIPT has been at the forefront of important global issues; and given the burning issue of Climate Change this world is facing, it’s timely to remind ourselves of an important declaration adopted at Lusaka, Zambia, 20 May 2011:

THE LUSAKA DECLARATION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Participants in the 5th IIPT African Conference conclude:

The global challenges facing humanity call for global solutions and cooperation at all levels – and by all sectors, public and private, and civil society as a whole – on an unprecedented scale.

Peace will be an essential prerequisite to achieve this level of cooperation, and peace will also generate the additional economic wealth to fund these solutions.

That travel and tourism – the world’s largest industry, affecting every sector of society, in virtually every nation – an industry that is founded on peace, and that contributes to peace and understanding – has a key leadership role to play in achieving these solutions.

That travel and tourism has a central role to play in creating jobs with dignity, foreign exchange earnings, the development of disadvantaged areas, poverty reduction, and the promotion of understanding peace, love, unity and progress among all peoples,

communities and nations on the African continent, and throughout the world.

And therefore call on all sectors of the travel and tourism industry to:

Lou D’amore, Tukwini Mandela, Timothy Marshall

Support the leadership role of UNWTO, UNEP and WMO in the specific actions

called for in the Davos Declaration: Climate Change and Tourism – Responding to Global Challenges.

Give emphasis to energy conservation and aggressively make the transition to renewable and clean energy sources as a foundation for carbon/GHG neutral development strategies and a ‘Green Growth’ transformation.

Continue to implement socially and environmentally responsible tourism practices that benefit local destinations and enhances both cultural and natural heritage, giving particular emphasis to fair trade in tourism practices, tourism that contributes to poverty reduction, and tourism that contributes to the restoration of ecological systems.

Provide for quality tourism experiences that include meaningful interactions between visitors (guests) and the host community, and a greater understanding and appreciation of local cultures, customs, and traditions.

Implement environmentally responsible development and operational practices, particularly in vulnerable areas including coastlines, low lying areas, and mountain regions.

Develop and implement waste management plans that give emphasis to reducing, recycling, and re-use.

Incorporate quadruple bottom line reporting with climate change alongside

environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic value.

Actively engage local communities in planning and decision-making, empower

women and youth, and embrace the wisdom, knowledge, and values of indigenous peoples.

For the transport sector, and particularly the airline industry, continue efforts in improving engine efficiencies and ultimately develop engines that operate with clean and renewable energy sources.

Recognize the important role of media, educational, and religious institutions as agents of change.Governments and International Development Agencies:

Provide incentives to tourism projects that utilize green designs/technologies, contribute to creating sustainable livelihoods, poverty reduction, and the U.N. Millennium Development Goals.

Only approve projects that adhere to globally recognized sustainable tourism

certification standards, and that incorporate construction designed to withstand severe storms and other effects of climate change.

Not allow heavy water consuming projects where water is in limited supply.
Develop Disaster Management Plans that include phases for Risk Reduction, Readiness, Response, and Recovery.

Recognize that certain forms of tourism ARE an adaptation strategy.
Encourage more research and monitoring of emerging trends related to the inter-connectedness of tourism – environment – and climate change, and provide web-based tools for the sharing and integration of research findings such as has been done in Botswana: www.Botswanatourismresearch.org.

Design and implement broad public awareness campaigns focusing on the linkages of tourism – environment – climate change – sustainable development – and broader society. Provide corresponding educational programs beginning at the primary level – through high school – and into universities.

Travelers:

Appreciate that we are all custodians of our one common home – planet earth, and we all share a common responsibility in preserving its abundant beauty and resources for future generations.

Be selective in modes of travel and minimize – and offset – the carbon footprint of their entire trip.

Select accommodations, transport, tour operators, activities with eco-labels or that have been recognized for their green practices and strive to contribute to the social, cultural, economic, or environmental enhancement of their destination.

Recognize that every traveler is potentially an ‘Ambassador for Peace’ – and a

messenger of transformative change towards a “Green Growth” global village.

With Gandhi and Tolstoy, come to discover that ‘life finds meaning in service to others’ – and “By my spirit, words, and actions, encourage others to travel the world in peace.” from IIPT Credo of the Peaceful Traveler We support the UNWTO, UNEP and WMO Davos Declaration in calling for UN, international, financial and bilateral agencies to support the governments of developing, and in particular least developed countries, for which tourism represents a key economic sector, in their efforts to address and to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change and to formulate appropriate action plans;

Commend the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) for its organization of this conference and for giving scope to the vision of peace through tourism; And express appreciation to our host – the Government of the Republic of Zambia, Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources; Conference Patron, His Excellency Rupiah B. Banda, President, Republic of Zambia; Conference Partners and Sponsors including the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA); Regional Tourism Organization of Southern Africa (RETOSA), World Travel Market; Livingstone University of Tourism Excellence and Business Management (LIUTEBM), Zambia Ethno Tourism and Cultural Tourism Alliance (ZECUTA), Children and Youth Welfare Foundation, Sustainable Travel International (STI), Blue Yonder and others; Media Partners including eTurbo News, World Tourism Directory, India Tourism Catalog, Travel Video TV, and others; the many Conference Supporters; and the people of Zambia for their welcoming spirit and hospitality.

Adopted at Lusaka, Zambia, 20 May 2011

By the more than 440 participants to the 5th IIPT African Conference on Peace through Tourism from 36 countries of Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and the Caribbean including Ministers of Tourism, senior representatives of UN agencies, senior government officials, senior representatives from diverse sectors of the industry and NGO’s, educators, students, and leading experts in tourism and climate change.

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Newsletter October

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 17:35:05 +0000

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR (Bea Broda)

Dear friends of IIPT,

As we welcome the autumn season, I’d like to begin this newsletter with a reflection on the recent World Peace Day. Ajay Prakash’s letter, shared earlier, continues to resonate deeply, offering timeless wisdom that transcends seasons.

I’ve recently returned from an inspiring journey to Peru, where I had the privilege of filming for my TV travel series. My experience on the Salkantay Trail, as part of a “female empowerment” hiking tour, was particularly noteworthy. This tour, led by some of the large staff of Raul Colque of Alpaca expeditions, showcased the transformative power of responsible tourism.

During my visit, I met a group of women working at an alpaca farm, skillfully weaving and creating vibrant textiles. Initially, I assumed they were content in their work, but a friend’s response to one of my Facebook posts about the encounter made me realize that not all workers in similar industries are treated fairly. However, I was heartened to learn about Raul’s commitment to empowering local communities, particularly women, and ensuring they benefit directly from tourism.

This experience embodied the essence of successful tourism: mutual benefit, community growth, and empowerment. The tour not only empowered the women participating but also the women who provided services, creating a positive impact on both sides. As we strive for a more peaceful world, initiatives like these demonstrate the potential for tourism to drive positive change.

I am inspired to meet more people involved in significantly interfacing with and benefitting the communities they tour, and invite readers to submit stories and information that we could highlight in future issues.

A NEW PEACE PARK IN SERBIA

From the president of the Serbia chapter, Jovan Popesku

The third Peace Park of the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) is officially proclaimed in Čačak, Serbia. It covers 36ha, on which there is the Memorial Park of Struggle and Victory, dedicated to soldiers and civilians who died during the liberation of Čačak in World War II. The Park also includes a memorial complex (megaron and dolmen) designed by architect Bogdan Bogdanović.

Representatives of: the City Assembly of Čačak, the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments (Kraljevo), the National Tourism Organization of Serbia, and the Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT Serbia) spoke at the ceremony. Students of the Music School from Čačak participated in the music program.

The representative of the Čačak City Assembly, Gordana Majstorović, on behalf of the Čačak Tourism Organization, as well as Dr. Jovan Popesku, President of IIPT Serbia, unveiled a commemorative plaque, after which they planted three trees as symbols of peace.

We expect that the next IIPT Peace Parks in Serbia will be announced during October and November.

OUR MEMBERS AT WORK

AN INTERVIEW WITH ONE OF OUR CHAPTER PRESIDENTS

Diana McIntyre-Pike, the energetic president of our Caribbean chapter was recently interviewed, spreading the good word about the strengths of community tourism.

NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA

Gail Parsonage, president of IIPT’s Australian chapter, sends word of Sandra Vardanega, an Executive Committee Member with IIPT Australia, who has accomplished a Masters in Responsible Tourism Management (with Distinction) from Leeds Beckett University UK.

We join Gail in extending huge congratulations to her for her great effort. Sandra was previously with Flight Centre Travel Group as their Responsible Tourism Manager.

The next picture depicts a welcome function for World SKAL President Denise Scranton. Simon Roll President SKAL Sydney South, Gail Parsonage President IIPT Australia, Denise Scranton World President SKAL, Ernst Krolke Director SKAL Sydney South.

Yet another event in Australia was the ICSOA INTERFAITH CONFERENCE on BUILDING PEACE through SHARED HUMANITY, organized by ICSOA and held at Parliament House New South Wales. Sept 2025

PHOTO: Rev Dr Patrick McInerney Director for Columban Centre for Christian Muslim Relations, Gail Parsonage President IIPT Australia, Abbas Raza Alvi President Indian Crescent Society of Australia,

IN MEMORIAM

A FAREWELL TRIBUTE TO OUR DEAR FRIEND, NIKKI ROSE

BY DR. LOU D’AMORE, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT EMERITUS

International Institute for Peace through Tourism

NIKKI ROSE

Recently, I was saddened to hear about the passing of a dear friend of mine and of IIPT, Nikki Rose. Nikki was the loved and admired founder of “Crete’s Culinary Sanctuaries which featured interactive educational programs on Culture, Nature, Sustainable Organic Agriculture, and Cuisine. Her educational seminars for academic institutions and serious enthusiasts of culture, nature and cuisine have received numerous awards for Best Practices from National Geographic, the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, the UN World Tourism Forum for Peace and Sustainable Development, and World Travel and Tourism Council. She was an expert in her field.

Nikki founded Crete’s Culinary Sanctuaries Educational Network in 1977 to support residents working on action programs to protect and share their heritage. She was a Greek American journalist, seminar director, and professional chef. She has been a consultant on similar initiatives around the world.

Nikki is the author of “Crete: The Roots of the Mediterranean Diet”; Contributing Author, The Routledge Handbook of Sustainable Food and Gastronomy; Destination Stewardship Center; Slow Food; and many other publications. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Archeological Institute of America Magazine, National Public Radio, The New York Times, Lonely Planet, Food Tank, The Guardian (UK), TV New Zealand, Australian Gourmet, Traveler, and O Globo (Brazil).

Nikki has made presentations at the United Nations, New York; International Institute of Peace through Tourism Conferences; The Embassy of Greece, Washington DC; ECOCLUB; Terroir Talk; The National Hellenic Museum; and more. She has also been interviewed extensively about her award-winning initiatives in Crete by Food Tank; Archeological Institute of America Magazine; National Public Radio; ECOCLUB; International Ecotourism Society; Greek Reporter, and many other outlets.

Nikki was in the final stages of production for a documentary which showcases over four thousand years of Crete’s fascinating history, natural beauty, biodiversity, toxicology, resilience, agroecology, music, young organic farmers, healthy cuisine, and hope.

The IIPT family will always remember Nikki for her insights and wisdom and for opening the doors to Kellari Greek Restaurant in New York where the passing of the baton of leadership from Lou D’Amore to Ajay Prakash took place. Nikki was good friends with the owner and in coordinating arrangements with our Chairman, Timothy Marshall, she noted that “The food is fantastic, and the staff are lovely people. I wish I could be there with you”.

Nikki was hopeful of joining Timothy Marshall, Andreas Larentzatkis, Gail Parsonage and Jovan Popesku for meetings in Greece following the dedication of the IIPT Global Peace Park in Turkey. However, she was unable to make it because of the recent passing of her sister. One of the topics to be explored was the potential establishment of an IIPT Chapter in Greece.

Dear Nikki, you were truly a dear friend to IIPT. May you rest in peace. We will miss you!

FOR THIOSE FOLLOWING MARIE RICHARDSION’S JOURNEY

This photo shows Marie’s 10th and final Canadian Province in St. John’s Newfoundland 9/7/25. Marie is the 7th person in the USA to be documented for completion at the half marathon distance.

To get in touch with Marie to congratulate her or ask her about her journey: Marie C. Richardson
mcrichy@gmail.com

INTERESTING TIDBITS

Reza Soltani informs us that a Global Tourism Forum will be held in Brussels, Belgium October 20-21^st with over 100 speakers from 70 countries. The theme is “Redefining Tourism in a Changing World.”

https://institutetourism.com/br2025/

MAKING TRAVEL EASIER

Some companies are dropping fees for solo travelers
https://www.nbcnews.com/video/some-companies-are-dropping-fees-for-solo-travelers-248298565707

PEACE STUDIES

For the latest news and events from the Kroc School of Peace Studies:

https://kroc.nd.edu

AND FINALLY

As I bring the September/October edition of the IIPT newsletter to a close, I once again extend my invitation to you to bring forward information you have about events that would benefit our knowing about, as well as news of activities in your area, and ideas for future newsletters.

Let’s continue each day of the year in the spirit of World Peace Day, as we contribute our unique strengths to that end.

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A Farewell Tribute to Our Dear Friend Nikki Rose

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 10:46:18 +0000

Nikki was hopeful of joining Timothy Marshall, Andreas Laurentzatkis, Gail Parsonage and Jovan Popesku for meetings in Greece following the dedication of the IIPT Global Peace Park in Turkey. However, she was unable to make it because of the recent passing of her sister. One of the topics to be explored was the potential establishment of an IIPT Chapter in Greece.

Dear Nikki, you were truly a dear friend to IIPT.

May you rest in peace. We will miss you!

BY DR. LOU D’AMORE, FOUNDER AND PRESDIENT EMERITUS

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR PEACE THROUGH TOURISM

Watch Nikki Rose in Summit Video on Women for Peace : https://institutetourism.com/wp

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World Tourism Day Message From the President of IIPT

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 17:50:08 +0000

Today, as we mark World Tourism Day, we do so against the backdrop of turmoil and uncertainty. Wars and conflicts continue to shatter lives in many parts of the world; families are torn apart and countless innocent lives are lost every day. At the same time, climate change poses an existential threat that could overwhelm our planet and jeopardize the very future of humanity.

In the face of these challenges, we must remind ourselves of a simple truth: tourism is, at its core, an industry of people. It is about human encounters – about connecting across boundaries of race, religion, nationality and ideology. Tourism builds bridges where politics often builds walls; it fosters understanding where ignorance breeds fear; it has the power to create dialogue where otherwise there might be only silence, or worse, violence.

We know that peace promotes tourism. But on this day, let us reflect on the equally important question: Can tourism promote peace? At IIPT we believe the answer is yes.

Tourism offers one of the most powerful vehicles for dialogue and cross-cultural encounters. By enabling people to experience the beauty, traditions and shared humanity of others, tourism has the capacity to dissolve the “otherness” that so often fuels conflict. Tourism has a unique role to play in cultivating empathy, in encouraging dialogue and in demonstrating that what unites us as human beings is far greater than what divides us.

As stakeholders in one of the world’s largest industries, we cannot remain passive. With our reach, our resources and our responsibility, we are called to lead. The tourism industry must recognize its moral obligation: to nurture peace, to promote sustainability and to safeguard the fragile beauty of our world for generations yet to come. We must ensure that tourism is not merely an economic activity, but a movement for peace, resilience, and hope.

There is an old Inuit saying: “You do not inherit the earth from your ancestors, you hold it in trust for your children.” Let this be our pledge on World Tourism Day – that we will use the power of tourism to leave the world a better, safer, and more peaceful place than we found it.

Together let us reaffirm our commitment to be not just beneficiaries, but builders of peace.

Ajay Prakash

Global President of the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT)

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World Peace Day greetings from IIPT President

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 09:02:55 +0000

Dear Friends of Peace,

On this International Day of Peace, we are once again reminded of the universal yearning of humankind: to live in safety, dignity, and harmony. Yet, around us, conflicts continue to rage in Gaza, in Ukraine, and across many parts of Asia and Africa. In these tragic wars, countless innocent lives have been extinguished, and millions have been forcibly displaced from their homes.

The heaviest burden of violence is borne by those least responsible for it – women and children. Families are torn apart, communities destroyed, and futures darkened by fear and uncertainty. When hate is sown in the hearts of children it takes root and grows, ensuring that the cycle of conflict endures for generations. This is the deepest tragedy of war: not only the loss of the present, but the destruction of hope for tomorrow.

When hatred is instilled in the hearts of the young, it ensures that conflict perpetuates across generations. As Mahatma Gandhi so wisely said:

“If we are to reach real peace in this world and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with children; and if they will grow up in their natural innocence, we won’t have to struggle; we won’t have to pass fruitless idle resolutions…”

The International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT), founded in 1986 by Dr. Lou D’Amore, is built on the belief that tourism—one of the world’s largest and fastest growing industries – can be a vital force for peace. By promoting cross-cultural understanding, fostering respect, and creating shared benefits, tourism can help transform hostility into hospitality and conflict into cooperation.

IIPT calls upon all leaders and stakeholders to embrace this day as a moment to silence the guns and open the doors to dialogue. Peace is not weakness; it is the highest form of strength. Lasting security cannot be built on fear and division, but only on respect, justice, and shared humanity.

As an industry that connects people across borders, cultures and faiths, tourism has the power to break down stereotypes, foster understanding, and build bridges of reconciliation. Today, let us recommit ourselves to making tourism a true force for peace – a force that heals wounds, restores livelihoods, and brings the world together.

On this International Day of Peace may our voices unite in the call for an end to hostilities and may we together renew our commitment to building a future where peace is possible, urgent, and enduring.

With hope and determination,

Sincerely

Lou D’Amore Timothy Marshall Ajay Prakash

IIPT Founder & Chairman IIPT Global President

President Emeritus IIPT Board of Directors

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IIPT July & August Newsletter

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:19:17 +0000

IIPT July/August Newsletter (click to open PDF File) :

https://peacetourism.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IIPT-July-August-Newsletter.pdf

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IIPT Newsletter May 2025

Fri, 23 May 2025 16:14:11 +0000

A monumental milestone has been reached in IIPT’s history! The Peace Parks Initiative has become a powerful global movement, with over 450 parks now spreading the message of peace and harmony worldwide. Each park represents a beacon of hope, a tangible step towards a more peaceful world, and a testament to the transformative power of positivity. Together, we’re creating a ripple effect of kindness, understanding, and unity that resonates across the globe. IIPT promises to continue to build on this momentum, inspiring a brighter future for all!

This edition of the newsletter mainly celebrates the recently inaugurated IIPT Olive Peace Park in Canakkale, Türkiye.

MESSAGE FROM IIPT PRESIDENT AJAY PRAKASH

Celebrating International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace

Mr. Ajay Prakash

I am so pleased to share the news that IIPT is being recognized by Finn Partners Global Travel: “Today, FINN Partners Global Travel is honouring the parts tourism and diplomacy play in fostering global peace. We are thrilled to collaborate with organisations who pave the way to make the world a better place: one of which is the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) and their latest initiative—the IIPT Olive Peace Park in Canakkale, Türkiye.

The IIPT Olive Peace Park, inaugurated in collaboration with Birol Arslan, Mayor of Kepez, Canakkale, stands as a beacon of hope for unity. This park joins over 450 IIPT Peace Parks worldwide, each dedicated to nurturing peace and understanding through tourism.

Tourism is a crucial part of cultural exchange and understanding, bridging cultural gaps and promoting mutual respect and understanding among global communities. Travel brings people together, creating opportunities for important dialogue, reconciliation, and cooperation.

As we celebrate this day, we want to emphasize the power tourism yields as a force for peace.

Together, we can build a more empathetic and peaceful world.”

IIPT KEPEZ OLIVE PEACE PARKS

IIPT- The International Institute for Peace through Tourism and Mayor Birol Arslan of Kepez-Canakkale Turkiye, dedicated the IIPT Kepez Olive Peace Park on 23^rd April 2025 which coincided with the National Sovereignty and Children’s Day in Turkiye.

The location of the Peace Park along the foreshore of the Dardanelles looks on to the Gallipoli Peninsula which was a major theatre of war during World War 1, especially between the English, Australia, New Zealand and Turkiye. However, after 110 years, the adversity between these countries has been replaced with respect, reconciliation, peace and friendship, which are the principles and objectives of IIPT.

PHOTO: April 23, 2025 – The Peace Park Celebration

The Peace Park organizing committee and IIPT delegates

The dignitaries which attended the official proceedings were Mayor Arslan and Municipal Members from Kepez Canakkale; Meridian Biziak, representing the Australian Embassy; Timothy Marshall, Chairman of the IIPT Board; Gail Parsonage, President, IIPT Australia; Jovan Popescu, President, IIPT Serbia and Andreas Larentzakis IIPT Executive Director.

As the day was also the Turkiye National Childrens Day, the event featured vocal and dance performances by the children of Canakkale, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria. It was a true representation of bringing together peace and friendship through the children of the world.

That evening a dinner was hosted by Mrs. Ruveyde Ergon, owner of the Iris Hotel Canakkale, for the Mayor and the Official Party and the organising committee headed by Andreas Larentzakis IIPT Executive Director and Sevil Ören Konachi IIPT Representative Turkey. Iris Hotel was also awarded membership to IIPT Global Peace Hotels.

PHOTO – MAYOR BIROL, MRS. ERGON (OWNER OIF IRIS HOTEL) TIMOTHY MARSHALL, ANDREAS LARENTZAKIS

Timothy Marshall, IIPT Chair brought greetings on behalf of IIPT founder Mr. Lou D’Amore and Global President Mr. Ajay Prakash. Mr Marshall stated that “Our presence here today is to salute the important recognition of children in Turkiye and around the world, to formalize our partnership with Turkiye, and to lay the groundwork for great collaboration in the months and years to come.

The IIPT Kepez Olive Peace Park – Canakkale, Turkiye, joins over 450 IIPT Global Peace Parks with the objective to:

Nurture the growth of peace and understanding, at home and throughout the world; Enhance awareness of a community’s commitment to peace and a healthy environment; Create common ground for the community to come together in celebration of their nation’s people, land and heritage; and to reflect on the connectedness to planet earth and the key role of Tourism in contributing to a more sustainable and peaceful world.

Gail Parsonage was one of the IIPT reps who received a plaque of appreciation from the Mayor of Kepez and local dignitaries

The ANZAC Dawn Service on April 25^th at Galipoli

PHOTO: The ANZAC Dawn Service

ANZAC stands for Australian New Zealand Army Corp

The Anzac dawn service has been commemorated every year since the Allied Forces landed on Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey.

Each year thousands of Australians and Kiwis descend on this sacred site to remember and commemorate the lives lost and casualties of all the soldiers, including those from the Ottoman Army.

Each year with the grace and permission of the Turkiye Government and the people of Turkiye, past enemies are welcomed as friends and both sides demonstrate the respect, reconciliation, peace and friendship each side has towards each other.

WHAT RECONCILIATION LOOKS LIKE

A MOMENT OF WAR BETWEEN ANZAC (AUSTRALIAN NEW ZEALAND ARMY CORP) AND THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE, WORLD WAR 1 – 1914-1918

Features original soldiers and their direct descendants.

PHOTO EXHIBITION AT CANAKKALE, TURKIYE

Idris Charles Pike 17^th Battalion Australian Imperial Force – 1915

Idris Erie Murphy – Grandson of Idris Charles

“In his letter to his sweetheart, my grandfather cites a letter they received from the Turkish soldiers written in French, thrown into the Australian trenches: “Our friends, The Enemy, we received your preserved meat and in return we have sent some tobacco but would appreciate if you could please send some souvenirs and in return we will do the same. Signed: From you soldier friends, the Turks.”

Izzettin Calislar, Chief of Staff of the XIXCorps and Anafartalar Group, Fifth Ottoman Army – 1915, Izzettin Calislar – Grandson of Izzettin

“What brought the Anzacs and the Turks together were external forces. After the war, the value of appreciating the peace was born. That is why both sides understand each other and do not consider each other as enemies. The unique bond between these nations was quickly established and was sustained.”

IIPT Delegates were guests of honour at the Photo Exhibition held to commemorate the 110 years since the landing of Anzac Forces on Gallipoli Peninsula Turkey.

A SMALL GROUP TOURED TURKIYE & GREECE AFTER THE CEREMONY

PHOTO – GAIL, ANDREAS AND TIM IN FRONT OF A MONUMENT

BEARING THE WORDS OF ATATURK

“You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country,

therefore, rest in peace.”

PHOTO: Gail Parsonage, Andreas Larentzakis and Timothy Marshall in Athens

FOR MORE READING
Discover the Turkish Park Turning War Memories into Peace Missions – Focus on Travel News

FTN news (News of the IIPT event published in Turkiye.)

“Peace park in Turkey opens in Kepez on Children’s Day . . .”

KIND TRAVELLING

Timothy Marshall has sent information about the work of the Kind Traveller – there is so much there, it’s best to have a look at their website from time to time:

https://www.kindtraveler.com

THAI PEACE FESTIVAL

Juergen Steinmetz attended a festival of peace and harmony on March 30^th and the following article is his report:

https://eturbonews.com/thailand-tourism-festival-an-exercise-of-unity-peace-harmony/

FROM THE EDITOR

I had the opportunity to visit the Kroc School of Peace in San Diego, and I’m excited to share its inspiring story in our upcoming newsletter. Given the wealth of content and our recent celebration in Turkey, I’ve decided to feature the Kroc School in the next issue.

In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you! Please share your observations, news, and events that align with IIPT’s mission to promote travel with a peaceful intent. Your contributions will help us showcase the impact of our work and inspire others to join our efforts.

Bea Broda

Editor: IIPT Newsletter

beabroda@gmail.com

editor@iipt.org

ABOUT IIPT

The International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) is a not for profit organization dedicated to fostering travel and tourism initiatives that contribute to international understanding and cooperation, an improved quality of environment, the preservation of heritage, reconciliation and poverty reduction; and through these initiatives, helping to bring about a peaceful and sustainable world. It is founded on a vision of the world’s largest industry, travel and tourism – becoming the world’s first global peace industry; and the belief that every traveler is potentially an “Ambassador for Peace.”

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IIPT newsletter April 2025

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 01:03:30 +0000

Dear friends of IIPT,

Bea Broda – Your Editor

As spring arrives, bringing with it the enduring promise of renewal and rebirth, we’re reminded that our world is also facing unprecedented challenges. Amidst global turmoil, it’s more crucial than ever that we, as peace seekers, share our vision for a more harmonious world. This is your invitation to join the conversation and share in this newsletter the inspiring work your chapter or community is doing to promote peace through tourism.

We’re excited to announce a special event in Turkey this April, inaugurating a new peace park – a celebration that’s always a highlight for our IIPT community. Below, Gail Parsonage, President of our Australian Chapter, shares her report on their peace-promoting initiatives.

Your Editor, Bea Broda

Photo: The proposed site

A New Peace Park

2IIPT in collaboration with Birol Arslan Mayor of Kepez, Canakkale Turkiye, will be establishing an IIPT Olive Peace Park at the memorial site of the Mesudiye Battleship Monument, Canakkale, part of our Global IIPT Peace Park Initiative. The event will take place on the 23rd April 2025 which is the National Sovereignty and Children’s Day in Turkey and is dedicated to all the world’s children – keepers and creators of the future.

The origin of the National Day goes back to April 23, 1920, during the War of Independence in Turkey. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empie, the Grand National Assembly met in Ankara to chart the future of a new Turkish Republic. The day was proclaimed a national Holiday in 1921 – marking the first National holiday of the new Turkey.

So how, did a public holiday become associated with Children’s Day? The world owes it to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. He was an immortal war hero of WW1 and an extraordinary leader and peacemaker and the founder and first President of the Turkish Republic. In 1927, he dedicated April 23 to Turkey’s children to recognize that they are the future.

Most people wishing to attend the Peace Park ceremony have already made their plans and bookings, but here is the planned schedule of events:

April 20 – Make your own way to the hotel in Istanbul

April 20-22 – Istanbul accommodation 10 Karakoy Hotel or similar

April 21 – IIPT Istanbul Conference & 2025 Goals & Objectives

April 21 – Sunset Bosporus cruise

April 22 – Transfer from Istanbul to Canakkale (approximately 4 hours)

April 22-25 – Double Tree by Hilton Canakkale or Kolin Hotel Canakkale

April 23 – Full day IIPT Olive Peace Park dedication followed by tea-coffee & soft drinks informal meeting with the locals. Dinner at the Iris hotel Canakkale

April 24 – Visit of the local region (details to be advise)

April 25 – Participation at the annual Gallipoli Anzac Commemorations

(5.00 am in the morning)

April 25-26 – Hampton Inn Arnavutkoy (near Istanbul international airport)

The next newsletter will feature stories and pictures of this historic event.

Click here to read further: PDF file

The post IIPT newsletter April 2025 appeared first on International Institute For Peace Through Tourism IIPT.

THE URGENT IMPERATIVE FOR PEACE THROUGH TOURISM

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 14:57:28 +0000

BY TIMOTHY MARSHALL: CHAIRMAN, IIPT BOARD of DIRECTORS

REFLECTIONS ON AN IMPORTANT, UPLIFTING AND ENLIGHTENING JOURNEY – AN HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Dear IIPT Family:

As we end this year, I have been asked to share some reflections on my journey with our Brother Lou D’Amore and IIPT as Board Chairman. By way of background, Lou and I met in 1990 at a Rockefeller Foundation Conference in San Francisco for 36 Thought Leaders from various disciplines across the country. By the end of the conference, a new friendship was already beginning; and subsequently led to my being a signatory to our Articles of Incorporation in Vermont in 1999, the year I also became Chairman. Over these years, I have been blessed to join Brother Lou on this most incredible journey of helping to advance the critically important work of the Institute. During this time, I have had the honor of addressing our Summits at the United Nations International Conference Center in Geneva, Switzerland; and in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. It is impossible to fully capture these experiences in one article; but given all that is taking place in the world today, I believe you will agree with me that the work of the Institute is needed now more than ever. Therefore, the topic of my reflections is: “THE URGENT IMPERATIVE FOR PEACE THROUGH TOURISM”. I would like to begin by sharing a few lines from a poem which was authored and delivered by Dr. Maya Angelou at the 50th anniversary of the United Nations in 1995. It is entitled:

“A BRAVE AND STARTLING TRUTH”

“WHEN WE COME TO IT

WHEN WE LET THE RIFLES FALL FROM OUR SHOULDERS

AND CHILDREN DRESS THEIR DOLLS IN FLAGS OF TRUCE

WHEN LAND MINES OF DEATH HAVE BEEN REMOVED

AND THE AGED CAN WALK INTO EVENINGS OF PEACE

WHEN RELIGIOUS RITUAL IS NOT PERFUMED

BY THE INCENSE OF BURNING FLESH

AND CHILDHOOD DREAMS ARE NOT KICKED AWAKE

BY NIGHTMARES OF ABUSE

WHEN WE COME TO IT

WE, THIS PEOPLE, ON THIS WAYWARD, FLOATING BODY

CREATED ON THIS EARTH, OF THIS EARTH

HAVE THE POWER TO FASHION FOR THIS EARTH

A CLIMATE WHERE EVERY MAN AND EVERY WOMAN

CAN LIVE FREELY WITHOUT SANCTIMONIOUS PIETY

WITHOUT CRIPPLING FEAR

WHEN WE COME TO IT

WE MUST CONFESS THAT WE ARE THE POSSIBLE

WE ARE THE MIRACULOUS, THE TRUE WONDER OF THIS WORLD

THAT IS WHEN, AND ONLY WHEN

WE COME TO IT”

As I write these reflections, the human family is dealing with serious conflicts across the globe. And although the particularities are different, there were major conflicts emerging between the east and west at the time of IIPT’s founding in 1986. When launching IIPT, Brother Lou’s vision was and is to make the world’s largest industry, travel and tourism, the first global peace industry; with the belief that every traveler is potentially an ambassador for peace. Our mission is to foster initiatives that promote international understanding, collaboration among nations, protecting the environment and preserving biodiversity, enhancing cultures and valuing heritage, poverty reduction, and healing wounds of conflict— and through these initiatives, help to bring about a peaceful and sustainable world. These are the core principles that guide our work; but there are six values undergirding these principles that further clarify IIPT’s concept of Peace. For the purposes of this article, I would like to focus on three of those areas as an organizing principle to reflect on our work: peace with our creator; peace with others; and peace with nature and the earth. However, before doing that, allow me to share some additional historical context along with a few personal memories.

THE BEGINNING YEARS

LAUNCH OF SUMMITS, CONFERENCES AND CHAPTERS

As the creator and global leader of the ‘Peace Through Tourism’ movement, IIPT launched its first global conference on Sustainable Tourism Development in Vancouver in 1988. The theme was: “Tourism: A Vital Force for Peace”. Eight hundred persons from sixty-eight countries were in attendance; and Pope John Paul II and U.S. President Ronald Reagan were featured in video-taped messages. The Vancouver Conference first introduced the concept of ‘Sustainable Tourism Development’ four years prior to the U.N. Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Vancouver conference also introduced a new paradigm for a ‘Higher Purpose of Tourism’ which incorporated the Mission of IIPT. Today, we hear this concept espoused all over the globe. However, nearly 40 years ago when IIPT was founded, the industry’s focus was almost exclusively on economics and finance, and these concepts were very foreign.

Approximately 6 months after our first global conference, the first Caribbean conference on socially and environmentally responsible tourism was held in 1989 in the Bahamas. It featured Dr. D’Amore; along with Mr. Stanley Selingut, who established the first Caribbean eco-tourism resort based in St. John, U.S. Virgin Island; as well as representatives from Indonesia and the Pacific, who all gave case studies. This led to two subsequent conferences on eco-tourism in the Caribbean, and a major new focus on sustainable tourism by the Caribbean Tourism Organization. This initiative was spearheaded by one of our board members, Mr. Markly Wilson. It also led to the establishment of IIPT’s first Caribbean Chapter, under the direction of Ms. Diana McIntyre Pike. Among Diana’s other accomplishments, 19 Jamaican and Caribbean villages were declared as IIPT/Skal peace villages on the opening day of the UNWTO General Assembly. Each village committed themselves to promoting values of tolerance, non-violence, gender equality, human rights, youth empowerment, environmental awareness, and sustainable social and economic development.

A few years after we met, I joined Lou at IIPT’s next Conference which was held in Montreal in 1994 and featured a world class lineup of Speakers including Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai of Kenya, who had the audience spellbound. This Conference was instrumental in the World Bank beginning its support for tourism projects aimed at poverty reduction in developing nations; and led to the issue of poverty reduction becoming widely recognized.

Our first Global Summit was held in Amman, Jordan in 2000. King Abdullah II was our Royal Patron; and Mr. Harvey Golub, Chairman of American Express, and Chairman of WTTC, served as our first Summit Chair. I was asked to convene our first Coalition of Partners meeting which was attended by thirty-two organizations from around the world; each of whom committed to a Millennial Project. Many good initiatives came out of this, and it is our hope to resurrect this body with a new gathering of like-minded NGO’s and other organizations going forward.

Our first African Conference was held in Nelspruit, South Africa in 2002, eight years after Mr. Mandela became President. It included a host of Ministers of Tourism throughout the African continent. One personal highlight from this Conference was Lou and I being asked by the Minister of Tourism in Mozambique (one of the Conference attendees) to travel to Maputo, the capital, immediately after the Summit, to meet with his cabinet around the issues addressed at the Summit. This was a full circle moment for me because I had been involved in the U.S. movement to advocate for self-reliance, social and economic prosperity, and equal access to independence and democracy on the African continent. I will never forget witnessing the enormous challenges this nation faced in rebuilding its society and economy under adverse conditions after having natural resources and enormous wealth expropriated. However, the spirit of Hope and Optimism among the people became a lasting memory because they believed in themselves and their future. We were blessed to share time and experiences with them.

Another great memory was participating in the Dedication of several Peace Parks around the world, including my being asked to give the Installation Prayer at the Victoria Falls Dedication. It was my first visit there, and the Falls were more majestic than I had even imagined. Then, when the Dedication Ceremony began, we witnessed one of the highest ceremonial processions I believe one could experience, led by Chief Makuni of the Toka Leya People which is native to the land on Five counties surrounding the Falls. He was followed by traditional dancers, drummers and singers invoking cultural traditions from hundreds, if not thousands of years. It was beautiful and powerful beyond description; and so was the entire ceremony.

Prior to this Dedication, Zambia’s Founding President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, invited Lou, me, the Secretary General of UNWTO and the Mayor of Lusaka to his home for an intimate breakfast, where we engaged in a most enriching discussion about the impact tourism could have on the African continent, and why peace was so important. This was particularly meaningful because this discussion was being held with one of the giants of Africa’s independence movement.

Another important memory was our Summit in Thailand in 2005. Lou and I had the opportunity to meet with His Excellency Mr. Suwat Liptapanlop, the Deputy Premier of Thailand, prior to the opening of the Summit where he gave the keynote address. During his remarks, he noted the significance of this Summit, which followed the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami. He shared how important and timely this Summit was for the region as it began to rebuild physical infrastructure, as well as relaunch its tourism sector, which was crucial to the region’s economy.

A final memory of great significance happened on our home soil in the United States. Lou and I were invited by the head of our Chapter in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Mr. Lenwood Sloan, to join in the Dedication of a life size monument on the grounds of the Pennsylvania State Capital, which was the former site of the Anti-Slavery Abolitionist Underground Railroad Movement where Frederick Douglas spoke. The “Gathering at the Crossroads” monument provides an important recognition of the history of racism as it celebrates the passing of the 15^th Amendment, where African American men won the right to vote. It also recognizes the historical oppression of women as it celebrates the passing of the 19^th Amendment, where women won the right to vote. This powerful monument has become a significant tourist attraction in that it both educates visitors and commemorates the historic African American community in Harrisburg and the wider Commonwealth of Pennsylvania between 1850 and 1920.

The rich experiences of my journey with Lou and the Institute are far too numerous to recount here; but I thought it was important to share a few personal memories which might provide a more intimate look into these amazing events in the Institute’s history. With that background, let us look at our first value:

PEACE WITH OUR CREATOR

IIPT has played a meaningful role in the spirituality and tourism sector— from a major conference at the site of St. Francis of Assisi’s home in Assisi, Italy… to sacred Himalaya travel and treks in Bhutan… to dedicating a global peace park at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, site of Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River…to the dedication of a global peace park at the martyrs trail in Uganda, where record crowds flocked to Uganda for the 50^th anniversary of the canonization of 32 Christian martyrs who were burned to death for their refusal to denounce Christianity. The Uganda Martyrs Trail was dedicated as a legacy of IIPT’s 4^th African Conference and is an important tourist attraction. This event has also been designated as a national holiday in Uganda and has become a major event on the global catholic calendar.

LOU D’AMORE, NAOMI KING

Through these and other initiatives, IIPT has been fortunate to have interfaith forums at our events around the world. These gatherings have facilitated interfaith and intercultural dialogues. At our second global conference in Montreal, eight different religions gathered at the top of Mount Royal overlooking the City of Montreal. That conference profoundly demonstrated that when we focus on the importance of love, mutual respect, and living in peace, it becomes clear that our similarities are much greater than our differences.

PEACE WITH EACH OTHER

“Therefore, let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” Romans 14:19

This has been the core of our work, and for nearly four decades, it has been reflected in hundreds of initiatives and events around the world. It is impossible to do this area justice, but I will try to share a brief synopsis of some of them.

IIPT has been well known for its global summits, conferences and events which have been held on every major continent of the world except Antarctica. In addition to world leaders cited previously, IIPT has been blessed with an impressive array of royalty and heads of state who have been associated with our global events. They include the King and Queen of Jordan and the Prince of Monaco; President Nelson Mandela, the first native African to hold the presidency of South Africa; Her Excellency Ms. Vigdís Finnbogadottir, the first female President of Iceland, and the first elected woman head of state in the world; the Honorable Shimon Peres, former Prime Minister of Israel and Nobel Peace Prize winner; and H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, President of Nigeria and President of the African Union, who now serves as the High Representative for the Horn of Africa. Various leaders of the United Nations including U.N. Secretary General Kofi Anan, and celebrities such as Sir Roger Moore, British Actor, have joined our global summits. We have also hosted prominent travel and tourism executives like Mr. Bill Marriott, Executive Chairman of Marriott International; Richard North, Chief Executive Officer, Six Continents Hotel; Sir Ian Prosser, Chairman, Bass Hotels and Resorts; Peter De Jong; President of the Pacific Asia Travel Association; John Marks, Chairman, Travel Industry Association of America; Jean Claude Baumgarten, President, World Travel and Tourism Council; Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of the U.N. World Tourism Organization who is retired and currently serves as Chairman of our International Advisory Board; and U.S. Chung, Chairman and CEO, Federation of Korea Tourism Association, among others.

Joining these luminaries has been a wonderful gathering of major thought leaders from academia, national governments, NGO’s, the interfaith community, cultural heritage, the environmental sector, and a broad range of civic, professional, corporate and youth sectors in what we call a ‘Train the Trainers’ model. We bring the best to teach the best. Then we all learn from each other and go back to our respective countries, towns, and villages to implement strategies to achieve IIPT’s core principles and vision. While many fundamental topics are addressed, some of the non-traditional topics have included the role of culture and sports, accessible travel, volunteer travel, role of travel guides in promoting cultures of peace, trans border international peace parks, community tourism, and those that emphasize the importance of women and youth leadership and development, among others.

Over the years, we have assembled a wonderful network of industry strategic partner organizations like PATA and the Africa Travel Association who signed an historic MOU at our 2005 Summit in Thailand. This MOU promoted travel between the African and Asian continents. One of our closest partners, Skal International, has joined forces with us to establish peace cities and towns in wonderful places around the world.

Under the principle of ‘healing wounds of conflict’, one of our Board members, Don King, led an IIPT initiative to support the Al-Awon Charity in Azraq, Jordan, which provides educational services for 160 Syrian refugee children who, along with their families, fled the conflict in Syria. This special IIPT project is one way that we try to bring our principles to life and make a tangible impact in the lives of people who are hurting. The theme of our 25^th Anniversary celebration at World Travel Market in London was “Building a Culture of Peace Through Tourism” and was in support of the 100^th Anniversary of World War One, which was called “The Great War”. Our Theme was “War No More”. Croatia marked our 25^th Anniversary with a 25-city bike tour as well as sailing on the boat of culture under the IIPT flag. Now that is one trip I wish I had made. The Croatia Cycle for Peace went from Croatia to Bosnia and Herzegovina—two major war-torn countries and ended with a prayer for peace among all participants. This is a powerful example for IIPT because it incorporated two of our core values…peace with our Creator and peace with each other.

The world is now witnessing the tragedy that war, conflict, and famine have brought to members of the human family, especially children. For example, because of a devastating conflict, the people of Sudan will be suffering for a long time to come, and tourists will not be able to experience Sudan’s historical treasures in the near future. This is a concrete example of why peace is so crucial to tourism. The same can be said for the war in Ukraine, the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the escalating conflict in Lebanon, the Civil war in Myanmar, as well as many other parts of our global community. However, at the very moment this article is being written, headlines are showing that there is a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

BEN SHERMAN

IIPT’s work in peace, reconciliation and development was featured when the Olympic Truce Campaign was launched at the 2016 Olympics in Rio; and during the UNWTO Conference in Sri Lanka, which had been a war zone for 30 years prior to the event. Today it is an example of how people affected by conflict have picked up the pieces and rebuilt their lives. This conference would not have taken place there, nor would the significant economic benefits have been realized for their people if there was no peace.

In 2015, IIPT honored three great men of peace posthumously: President Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Ghandi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at our Global Symposium in South Africa. This symposium was held at Emperor’s Palace, the site where the transfer of power from the apartheid regime to the new Mandela led government took place. The families of these great men and the government of India accepted the awards on their behalf. That same year, IIPT’s work was also featured as a key path forward at the world summit on sustainable tourism in Spain which focused on climate change, global income inequality and the growing threat of terrorism, where Dr. D’Amore was a keynote speaker. These are just a few examples of some of our global initiatives.

However, in addition to bringing leaders together for summits and conferences, IIPT also takes policy positions on critical issues and global developments.

LOU D’AMORE, TUKWINI MANDELA, TIMOTHY MARSHALL

One example of this can be seen on our website where we issued a statement in support of peace in Ukraine. This was done in support of and in solidarity with U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres and UNWTO in calling for peace and diplomacy rather than war and atrocities. Also, the issue of sexual violence has been brought to the forefront by Ms. Claire McFarlane, an IIPT Ambassador, who shed important light on this topic at her running campaign in South Africa and other events. Moreover, we were excited that our focus on cultural heritage was the impetus for the creation of the African Diaspora Heritage Trail, which was conceived at our Global Summit in Amman in 2000 and then announced at our first African Conference in 2002.

The Institute has also cited a major study on the impact of war on children. This study, which can be found on our website, cites that hundreds of thousands of children die in war each year as civilians caught in the violence, as combatants directly targeted, or during ethnic cleansing. Other children are victims of injury, disability, illness, rape and prostitution, psychological suffering, and other social and cultural atrocities. We believe that education and data are critical to our advocacy and support. We also cited a WTTC report which was issued with the Institute of Economics and Peace. This report quantified the positive correlation between tourism and peace.

IIPT also cited a PATA study entitled “How Travel and Tourism Benefits from Peace-A Statistical Analysis of the Asian Experience”. The report examines how peace, democracy, and ending geopolitical conflicts can facilitate tourism growth, build stronger economies, reduce class disparities, alleviate poverty, and allow people to develop a better understanding of each other. These three studies are a testament to the founding principles and underlying values of IIPT, and they confirm our teachings of nearly four decades.

Finally, our third value:

‘PEACE WITH NATURE AND THE EARTH’

This can be seen in almost everything we have done; but can most directly be seen through the dedication of over 450 global peace parks in Africa, Asia, Central America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific, Canada, the United States, and Mexico. This initiative was launched in Canada on its 125^th Birthday with 350 peace parks across Canada. It has now spread to six of the seven continents around the world. In addition to Victoria Falls, a world heritage site and one of the seven wonders of the world located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, IIPT has dedicated a major global peace park at the renown Puer National Park in China, along with the dedication of a global town of peace in the Danzhai Wanda village of China, which is an international tourism destination dedicated to poverty reduction.

We also dedicated a peace park at the United Nations International Conference Center in Geneva, Switzerland- following our global summit in 2003. A final example is our international peace park in Medellin, Columbia, which was dedicated during the UNWTO General Assembly. Given Medellin’s history as a notorious place of violence, having been once dubbed “the murder capital of the world”, this was a very significant achievement.

One of our most impactful initiatives regarding peace with nature was the hosting of one of the world’s earliest global summits on Climate Change in Lusaka, Zambia in 2011. This Summit brought together some of the top thought leaders and practitioners from every major sector around the world and led to the adoption of the Lusaka Declaration which is housed at the United Nations. The findings have also been published by Cambridge Scholars Publishers and include case studies and models of best practices and adaptation practices from various sectors of the industry. I believe history will show that the leadership of Lou D’Amore and IIPT in this area has been prescient; both in its profound analysis and recommendations to mitigate the future impact climate disasters could have on the earth, as well as the potential effects of environmental injustice on developing countries around the world.

PATRICK KALIFUNGWA, PRESIDENT KENNETH KAUNDA AND HIS GRANDCHILD

During the dedication of our peace park at Victoria Falls, Mr. Ben Sherman, Chairman of the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance, noted that for centuries, Indigenous people have honored the principle of reciprocity with nature: Mother Earth gives, and we must take care of the earth. Unfortunately, humanity still has much to learn and much work to do. Through our global peace parks initiative, thousands of trees have been planted around the world. It is our hope that this will make at least a small contribution to reversing the damage of Climate Change in the decades to come.

THE BUILDING OF A WONDERFUL FAMILY

During the month of September 2023, I was pleased to Chair our Global Strategic Planning Retreat in New York where members of the IIPT Family gathered to begin the process of transitioning from Lou’s presidency to Ajay Prakash becoming the newly elected President of the Institute. The weekend began on Friday evening with food and drinks in a beautiful setting on the Hudson River as family members were welcomed to New York and celebrated being together once again.

It continued Saturday with a day of strategic planning, and ended with a wonderful dinner at Kellari Restaurant, a delectable, elegant Greek Restaurant which was secured by Ms. Nikki Rose. This is the site where the Baton was officially passed. Our Founder, Dr. Louis D’Amore, was presented with a “LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD” from The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, President of the United States of America, by Mr. John Dickson. He was also presented with a “CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION” from the Global Peace Foundation Philippines by Mr. Brian J. Grim, Founding President, Religious Freedom & Business Foundation. The weekend culminated with a worship service at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, where the Archbishop of Canterbury was the special guest, and who graciously came over to meet our delegation.

None of IIPT’s extraordinary accomplishments would have been possible without the brilliant, dedicated team that is the heart and soul of the Institute. Only Lou D’Amore could pull together such an impressive array of talent and brain power and keep this group together through a shared commitment to values, principles, hopes and dreams for a peaceful world. This includes loyal Board members: Lou D’Amore, Markly Wilson, Don King, our new President, Ajay Prakash, and me.

And with this last issue of the year, I am most honored to announce the Board election of our new Executive Director, Mr. Andreas Larentzakis; along with the formal election of Ms. Bea Broda as Editor of the IIPT Newsletter. This Team will be working alongside our phenomenal and masterful group of Chapter Presidents: Ms. Diana McIntyre Pike, Caribbean; Ms. Gail Parsonage, Australia; Mr. Maga Ramasamy, Indian Ocean; Ms. Mamasatsi Ramawela and Ms. Bunny Bhoola, Southern Africa; Mr. Kiran Yadav, India; Mr. Jovan Popeksu, Serbia; and Mr. Lenwood Sloan, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. We are also indebted to our International Advisory Board: Dr. Taleb Rifai, Chairman; and members Dr. Patrick Kalifungwa, Ms. Kathy Sudeikis, Mr. Bob Zimmer and Ms. Anastacia Mann. Moreover, we salute our dedicated, esteemed partners Mr. Juergen Steinmetz and Mr. John Dickson; along with our Global Ambassadors: Mr. Fabio Carbone, Mr. Phillipe Francois, Ms. Anita Mendiratta, Mr. Ben Sherman (posthumously), Ms. Haybina Hao ; and our dear Friends who have made major, invaluable contributions over the years: Dr. Babs Onabanjo, Ms. Nikki Rose, Ms. Kathleen Pond, Ms. Kitty Pope, Ms. Judy Karwacki, Ms. Fiona Jeffery, Mr. Max Haberstroh, Mr. Steve DeVoss, Mr. Mathieu, Hoeberigs, and Mr. Franz Rolinck.With this extraordinary bounty of family and friends

who have remained committed to this high calling of ‘Peace Through Tourism,” we have a powerful foundation upon which to build the Institute’s tremendously bright future. To help launch this future in 2025, we would like to call the entire IIPT Global Family together for a ZOOM FAMILY MEETING on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025 (Time TBD); so please Save The Date.

LOU D”AMORE, TIMOTHY MARSHALL, DR. BABS OJABANGO

As I prepare to close these reflections, it seems appropriate to return to our beginning days where the ‘CREDO OF THE PEACEFUL TRAVELER’ became our anchor:

“GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL AND EXPERIENCE THE
WORLD
AND BECAUSE PEACE BEGINS WITH THE INDIVIDUAL,
I AFFIRM MY PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND COMMITMENT TO:
JOURNEY WITH AN OPEN MIND AND HEART
ACCEPT WITH GRACE AND GRATITUDE THE DIVERSITY I ENCOUNTER
REVERE AND PROTECT THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT WHICH SUSTAINS ALL
LIFE
APPRECIATE ALL CULTURES I DISCOVER
RESPECT AND THANK MY HOSTS FOR THEIR WELCOME
OFFER MY HAND IN FRIENDSHIP TO EVERYONE I MEET
SUPPORT TRAVEL SERVICES THAT SHARE THESE VIEWS AND ACT UPON
THEM AND BY MY SPIRIT, WORDS AND ACTIONS, ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO
TRAVEL THE WORLD IN PEACE.”

That is what we have dedicated ourselves to for nearly four decades.

And that is our HOPE and URGENT IMPERATIVE for the future.

Thank you for all you do, selflessly, to make this world a better place, day in and day out.

As we celebrate this season of Love, Joy and Peace; the ending of a long and oftentimes painful year in world events; and the promises and possibilities of a new year; let us keep pressing on to higher ground and recommit ourselves to the vision, values and principles of IIPT which the world so desperately needs.

HAPPY HOLIDAY BLESSINGS AND LOVE, AND HERE’S WISHING YOU A PEACEFUL, HEALTHY AND MOST PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!!

Timothy H. Marshall

Chairman

IIPT Board of Directors

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